PNP: Over 6,000 cops to secure Senate for Sara Duterte impeachment trial

More than 6,000 police officers will be deployed around the Senate on Monday, July 6, to secure the area during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, the Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office (PNP-NCRPO) said Sunday.

According to Super Radyo dzBB reporter Pamela Adriano, PNP-NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo said most protest actions are expected to be held in front of the Senate building.

At least one group, however, is planning to march to the Senate from a nearby area, prompting authorities to deploy additional personnel.

Asilo said no rally permits had been approved as of Sunday, but the PNP-NCRPO remains open to groups wishing to stage protests.

She urged participants to follow proper legal procedures.

If protesters attempt to force their way closer to the Senate premises, Asilo said authorities would implement maximum tolerance, prioritizing dialogue and negotiation through designated teams, while public order units remain on standby if necessary.

The PNP-NCRPO has yet to determine how many people are expected to join the demonstrations, but said it is prepared to address any security situation that may arise.

The House of Representatives of the Philippines impeached Duterte in May over allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.

On June 1, Duterte’s camp filed its answer to the Articles of Impeachment and asked the impeachment court to dismiss the case.

Duterte’s impeachment trial will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday and will initially be held weekly from Monday to Wednesday at 2 p.m. until the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 27.

After the SONA, proceedings will shift to Tuesdays to Thursdays at 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Pasay City government will temporarily close a stretch of Diokno Boulevard near the Senate during the trial.

The closure will cover both northbound and southbound lanes from Seaside Boulevard to Atang dela Rama Street, including intersections along the affected stretch.

The traffic scheme will take effect starting July 6 and will be enforced every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sandiganbayan security tightened

Separately, orange barriers and steel fencing have been installed outside the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City amid possible protests should an arrest warrant be issued against Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

The security measures were placed along Commonwealth Avenue, where authorities expect possible gatherings.

A large PNP truck was also seen entering the Sandiganbayan compound on Saturday as additional personnel were deployed to strengthen security.

Security has also been tightened around the Office of the Ombudsman, where police officers have been stationed to monitor the area and maintain order.

On Friday, the Office of the Ombudsman filed a plunder case against Marcoleta before the Sandiganbayan over P75 million in campaign contributions allegedly received ahead of the 2025 senatorial elections but not declared in his Statement of Campaign Expenditures.

Police Col. Allen Rae Co, chief of the PNP Public Information Office, said that if an arrest warrant is issued while Marcoleta is inside the Senate premises, authorities would coordinate with Senate leadership.—MCG, GMA News